Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created additional reading an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate additional info the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.